Airdrop azimuth control system

ABSTRACT

A parachute system includes a payload support configured to operably support a payload below a parachute and an azimuth control device mounted to the payload support and/or the payload. The azimuth control device is configured to operably impart a yaw rotation to the payload in order to adjust an azimuth of the payload. The azimuth control device may include a thrust producing fluid jet device, a thrust producing propeller device, and/or a manipulatable control surface, among others.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/125,547, entitled “AIRDROPAZIMUTH CONTROL SYSTEM,” filed on Dec. 15, 2020. The '547 Application ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes,including but not limited to those portions that specifically appearhereinafter, but except for any subject matter disclaimers ordisavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material isinconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case thelanguage in this disclosure shall control.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to parachute systems, particularly tosystems and methods for controlling azimuth of a payload suspended froma deployed parachute.

BACKGROUND

Aerial delivery is frequently used for transporting or deploying apayload from an aircraft.

In certain situations, deployment of a munitions payload from in-flightaircraft may provide various benefits. Such aerial delivery systems mayinvolve the use of parachute systems to progressively slow the descentvelocity of the payload. Use of a series of parachute deployments isoften necessary because the force and impulse on the suspension linesand straps of a main parachute (i.e., a parachute large enough to slowthe cargo platform to an acceptable landing velocity) deploying at theterminal, free-fall velocity of the cargo platform or vehicle would beexcessive, causing the parachute system to fail.

In some instances, it may be desirable to have the payload facing adesired direction during descent. For example, the payload may beconfigured to deploy/release an item (e.g., a missile). If the payloaddoes not have the proper azimuth orientation, the dispensed item mayneed to gain momentum before being able to change course to move towardits target. If the item has a propulsion means, fuel will be consumed inthe process of changing course and the range of the item will, thereby,be reduced, relative to the target. If the dispensed item is gravitypropelled and has a gliding capability, altitude will be lost in thecourse correction process and, again, the effective range of the item,relative to the target, will be reduced. Certain parachutes may besteerable, and thus azimuth corrections for the payload may beaccomplished by controlling/steering the parachute. However, azimuthchanges when the payload is suspended beneath a ballistic parachute arenot nearly as straightforward.

While certain conventional solutions may utilize a threaded connectionbetween the payload and the parachute, such configurations are somewhatlimited by the amount of rotational travel provided by the threadedinterface, thereby potentially limiting the extent/duration of azimuthcontrol that can be achieved. For example, if the interfacing mechanismbetween the payload and the parachute may have a nut and screwstructure, such that the azimuth correction can only be made in onedirection and the direction is dependent on whether the threads of thenut and screw are clockwise or counter clockwise. For instance, withclockwise threads, if an azimuth change of 10 degrees to the right isdesired, it is quite straightforward, but, if a 10 degree change to theleft is desired, a right turn of 350 degrees would be required.Moreover, in some instances, there may be some system asymmetry involvedthat will cause the system to continuously rotate in one direction. Insuch a scenario, it may be necessary to continuously make azimuthcorrections in the opposite direction to maintain a desired heading.Such a continuous azimuth correction might well prematurely consume allthe azimuth correction capability of the mechanism.

In an attempt to combat the limitations of the gravity poweredmechanism, a motor could be added to cause either the nut or the screwto rotate. But, because the mechanism is positioned by flexible elementsbetween two masses, one mass being the payload and the other mass beingthe air trapped inside the parachute canopy, and these flexible elementswould mostly likely twist instead of imparting an azimuth change to thepayload. Accordingly, improved systems and methods for azimuth controlof a payload remain desirable.

SUMMARY

A parachute system is disclosed, comprising a payload support configuredto operably support a payload below a parachute, and an azimuth controldevice mounted to at least one of the payload support or the payload.

In various embodiments, the payload support comprises a platform and theazimuth control device is mounted to the platform. In variousembodiments, the azimuth control device is configured to operably imparta yaw rotation to the payload in order to adjust an azimuth of thepayload. In various embodiments, the azimuth control device is mountedto the payload support a distance offset from a vertical center of massaxis of the payload in order to create torque to thereby induce the yawrotation. In various embodiments, the azimuth control device comprises afluid jet device configured to emit a thrust producing fluid stream. Invarious embodiments, the azimuth control device comprises a thrustproducing propeller device. In various embodiments, the azimuth controldevice comprises a manipulatable control surface. In variousembodiments, the azimuth control device is configured to be in a stowedposition before and during an initial deployment phase of the payloadand is configured to transition to an operable position after theinitial deployment phase.

In various embodiments, the parachute system further comprises acontroller coupled in control providing communication with the azimuthcontrol device, the controller comprising a processor and a tangible,non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructionsstored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, causethe processor to control the azimuth control device. In variousembodiments, the azimuth control device comprises one or more ruddersdisposed on a periphery of the platform. In various embodiments, theazimuth control device is configured to exert a force in a firstdirection at a first time and further configured to exert a force in asecond direction at a second time, the second direction is opposite fromthe first direction. In various embodiments, the parachute systemfurther comprises an interface configured to be coupled between thepayload and the parachute. In various embodiments, the interfacecomprises a first clevis/shackle and a second clevis/shackle configuredto rotate with respect to the first clevis/shackle.

A method of using a parachute system is disclosed, the method comprisingcoupling an azimuth control device to at least one of a payload supportor a payload, deploying the payload from an aircraft, deploying aparachute coupled to the payload support, and operating the azimuthcontrol device to adjust an azimuth of the payload during descent of thepayload beneath the parachute.

A parachute system is disclosed, comprising a parachute, a payloadsupport configured to operably support a payload below the parachute, aninterface between the parachute and the payload, and an azimuth controldevice mounted to at least one of the payload support or the payload.

In various embodiments, the azimuth control device is configured tooperably impart a yaw rotation to the payload in order to adjust anazimuth of the payload. In various embodiments, the interface isconfigured to rotate in response to the azimuth of the payload beingadjusted. In various embodiments, the interface is configured toaccommodate the yaw rotation of the payload. In various embodiments, theinterface comprises a textile sling. In various embodiments, theinterface comprises a pair of clevises/shackles.

The foregoing features and elements may be combined in variouscombinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated hereinotherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation of thedisclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of thefollowing description and accompanying drawings. The contents of thissection are intended as a simplified introduction to the disclosure, andare not intended to limit the scope of any claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the disclosure is renderedby reference to the appended drawings. Thus, although the subject matterof the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctlyclaimed in the concluding portion of the specification, a more completeunderstanding of the present disclosure, may best be obtained byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the drawing figures. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter of thepresent application will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a parachute system comprisinga parachute, a payload support, and an azimuth control device, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary payload that may benefitfrom azimuth control, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are schematic views of different types of azimuthcontrol devices mounted a payload support, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C illustrate an azimuth control device as amanipulatable control surface, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate an azimuth control device as a thrustproducing fluid jet device, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C illustrate an azimuth control device as athrust producing propeller device, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a connecting interface between a parachuteand a payload, in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram of a method of using aparachute system, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical changes and adaptations in design andconstruction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and theteachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

As used herein, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” andvariations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusiveinclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises a list of elements does not include only those elements butmay include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to suchprocess, method, article, or apparatus. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusiveand/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Further, in the detailed description herein, references to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate thatthe embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Thus, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation”means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Absent an express correlation to indicateotherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or moreembodiments. After reading the description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for parachuteconstruction, deployment, reefing, disreefing, release, recovery, and/orthe like may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intendedto represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical azimuth control system.

A parachute system may be any system configured to facilitate deploymentof a payload from an aircraft using a parachute to slow the descent ofthe payload. As mentioned above, a ballistic parachute will drift withthe air mass through which it is descending. In certain implementations,the azimuth of the payload may desirably be controlled during descent.Accordingly, the present disclosure provides various principles andembodiments of azimuth control devices of a parachute system tofacilitate a payload pointed in a desired direction (e.g., toward atarget).

In accordance with various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 1A, aparachute system 100 generally includes a connecting interface 89interconnected between a parachute 80 and a payload support 90configured to support a payload (not depicted in FIG. 1A). Parachute 80may include risers 82 and payload support 90 may include a platform 91and/or suspension straps 92, as described in greater detail below. Theparachute system 100 further includes an azimuth control device 110(depicted schematically), according to various embodiments. As describedin greater detail below, the azimuth control device 110 iscoupled/mounted to the payload support 90 and/or the payload 95 (e.g.,see FIG. 1B) and is configured to operably impart a yaw rotation to thepayload in order to adjust an azimuth of the payload, according tovarious embodiments.

In various embodiments, and with momentary reference to FIG. 1B, onepossible example of a payload 95 that may benefit from azimuth controlis provided. That is, the payload may be configured with munitions orother cargo that are configured to be controllably released/dischargedin a specific direction (e.g., towards a target). In variousembodiments, the payload may contain a plurality of releasable items.The directional discharge item(s) may be configured for any specificpurpose. For example, a directional discharge item could be a piece ofordnance too large to fit a conventional aircraft bomb bay. In variousembodiments, directional discharge items are configured to becontrollably and selectively launched as the payload descends with aballistic trajectory below the parachute. Moreover, the attitude and/orazimuth of the payload may be varied before and/or between discharges inorder to more effectively direct directional discharge items toward oneor more targets.

As used herein, the term “payload support” refers to the structures andcomponents that suspend the payload below the parachute. As mentionedabove, the payload support may include one or more suspension straps andmay also include a platform. In various embodiments, payload supportrefers to one or more suspension straps (such as suspension straps 92 ofFIG. 1A) that extend from the parachute risers to support the payload.The suspension straps may be directly coupled to the payload and/or maybe indirectly coupled to the payload via a platform (such as platform 91of FIG. 1A). In the directly coupled configuration, the one or moresuspension straps may be directly anchored/affixed to the payload. Forexample, the payload (such as payload 95 of FIG. 1B) may include one ormore structural members, and the one or more suspension straps may beanchored to these structural members of the payload. These structuralmembers of the payload may function as an interface between thesuspension straps and the payload. In the indirectly coupledconfiguration, the payload support includes the platform and theplatform may be suspended by the one or more suspension straps. Whetherin the directly coupled configuration or the indirectly coupledconfiguration, a platform may serve as an interface between the payloadand the cargo floor of an aircraft. In various embodiments, the payloadis secured to the platform.

In various embodiments, and with renewed reference to FIG. 1A, azimuthcontrol device 110 is mounted to platform 91. However, in otherconfigurations and embodiments the azimuth control device 110 may bemounted to the suspension straps, to the payload itself, and/or to theconnecting interface between the parachute and the payload support. Invarious embodiments, azimuth control device 110 is mounted to thepayload support a distance offset from a vertical center of mass axis ofthe payload. By positioning azimuth control device 110 in this offsetmanner, azimuth control device 110 operably creates a torque about thevertical axis to induce the yaw rotation and thereby control the azimuthof the payload during descent beneath one or more parachutes. Forexample, the one or more azimuth control devices may be mounted at ornear the periphery of the payload. In various embodiments, in order tomaximize the moment arm, the azimuth control device may be mounted on ornear one of the ends of the payload support that is farthest from thevertical axis (e.g., mounted to a front or rear of the payloadassembly). In various embodiments, if the item being dispensed from thepayload is configured to eject with a horizontal trajectory (e.g., amissile), it may be beneficial to position the azimuth control devicenear the rear of the payload assembly to avoid an interference with thedispensing process.

In various embodiments, parachute system 100 further includes acontroller 120 coupled in control providing communication with azimuthcontrol device 110. Controller 120 may generally include a processor anda tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium havinginstructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by theprocessor, cause the processor to perform various operations. Thevarious operations performed by the processor of controller 120 mayinclude controlling the activation timing, the magnitude, and theduration of the azimuth control device 110. For example, it is quitecommon for an aircraft to be kept on course by an autopilot and thecourse information may come from a compass or a GPS device, and the sameor similar computer systems, hardware, processors, and/or software logicmay be used in this context for controlling the direction of the payloadduring descent. Controller 120 may be wired and/or wirelesscommunication with azimuth control device 110. Additionally, controller120 may be wired and/or wireless communication with external systems,for example aircraft navigation systems or other systems associated withthe aircraft which deployed the payload, a tactical data link, aBattlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN), and/or the like. Inthis manner, operation of azimuth control device 110 may be managed fromvarious locations and/or systems in order to achieve desired tactical orstrategic objectives (for example, deploying a first missile at a firstorientation configured to facilitate a strike on a first target,thereafter changing the azimuth of the payload and deploying a secondmissile at a second orientation configured to facilitate a strike on asecond target, and so forth). Controller 120 and/or azimuth controldevice 110 may be coupled to, comprise, communicate with, and/or containvarious components configured to determine, measure, and/or report anazimuth of the payload, for example one or more compasses, gyroscopes,accelerometers, force sensors, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, the controller is implemented in a singleprocessor. In various embodiments, the controller may be implemented asand may include one or more processors and/or one or more tangible,non-transitory memories and be capable of implementing logic. Eachprocessor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof. Furthermore, any number of conventional techniquesfor electronics configuration, signal processing and/or control, dataprocessing and the like may be employed. Also, the processes, functions,and instructions may can include software routines in conjunction withprocessors, etc.

The term “non-transitory” is to be understood to remove only propagatingtransitory signals per se from the claim scope and does not relinquishrights to all standard computer-readable media that are not onlypropagating transitory signals per se. Stated another way, the meaningof the term “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and“non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” should be construed toexclude only those types of transitory computer-readable media whichwere found in In Re Nuijten to fall outside the scope of patentablesubject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B,various examples of azimuth control devices are provided. For example,azimuth control device 110 may be a manipulatable control surface 210A(FIG. 2A), a thrust producing fluid jet device 210B (FIG. 2B), and/or athrust producing propeller device, among others. These mechanisms aredescribed in greater detail below, but the disclosed list of devices,structures, and mechanisms is only included to be illustrative of thetypes of components that may be implemented as an azimuth control device110, and thus the disclosed features are not intended to be anexhaustive list of all the potential components that may be implementedto achieve controllable yaw rotation of a payload. Further, a parachutesystem may include different types of azimuth control device(s) 110positioned and mounted to different portions/regions of the payload orpayload support to effectively stabilize and collectively control theazimuth of the payload.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C,azimuth control device 110 is configured as a manipulatable controlsurface, such as a rudder or a plate. Although shown as a simple planarstructure, the control surface may be a vane or a blade, and may thushave an airfoil configuration such that when the control surface isactivated it functions with a leading edge, a trailing edge, a higherpressure surface, and a lower pressure surface. Moreover, as theballistic parachute descends through an air mass, to an observer on theground the parachute may appear to have horizontal velocity. Thathorizontal velocity, however, is only relative to the ground, and theparachute may have substantially zero horizontal velocity relative tothe air mass in which it is descending. Therefore, all airflow past thepayload may be vertical, flowing from the bottom toward the top. Thisairflow will, logically, be in effect as long as the system isdescending through the air mass. If some of this airflow was deflectedby the control surface, the resultant force from the redirection of airwould cause yaw rotation of the payload, thereby achieving azimuthchanges. In this regard, a manipulatable control surface, such as arudder, can be manipulated in the airflow to cause a higher pressure onone side of the rudder than the other and, therefore, induce a yawproducing force. In various embodiments, only a small stored powersource is utilized, for example a battery to provide power to move thecontrol surface and/or power communications components or actuators. Inother embodiments, a downward-facing thrust producing propeller or othersimilar components may convert airflow arising from the descent of thepayload into rotational and/or electrical energy that may be utilized tomove the manipulatable control surface. However, any suitable powerand/or control components for azimuth control device 110 may beutilized, as desired.

In various embodiments, if the control surface was oriented vertically,no turning moment would be generated, but by moving the control surfacein one direction, the end of the payload would be torqued in onedirection. By reversing the pitch of the control surface, the end of thepayload would be pushed in the opposite direction. It will beappreciated that the amount of force imparted by azimuth control device110 and/or the duration of force imparted by azimuth control device 110may be controlled and/or varied in order to cause a yaw turn of adesired amount. For example, in one embodiment, a solenoid may beutilized to cause movement of a rudder component of azimuth controldevice 110; the movement may be continuous or stepwise and the solenoidmay be electromechanical or pneumatic. Moreover, a larger force may beexerted for a shorter length of time, or a smaller force may be exertedfor a longer length of time in order to achieve a desired yaw turn. Insome exemplary embodiments, azimuth control device 110 may be underregular and/or constant control and/or operation in order to maintain apayload generally along a desired azimuthal orientation, for example attimes exerting a force in a first direction, at other times exerting aforce in an opposite direction, as needed in order to achieve and/ormaintain a desired orientation. Stated differently, the azimuth controldevice 110 may be configured to exert a force in a first direction at afirst time and further configured to exert a force in a second, oppositedirection at a second time, as needed in order to achieve and/ormaintain a desired orientation.

In various embodiments, it may be warranted for the control surface tobe positioned at the payload periphery. Because there may be certainpractical or spatial restrictions regarding elements protruding beyondthe periphery of an aerial delivery platform, and/or because of the highdynamic forces involved in the initial phase of deployment from anaircraft, the azimuth control device may be configured to transitionfrom a stowed/stored position to an active/operable position. That is,before or during an initial deployment phase of the payload (when thedescent speed is highest before the parachute slows the descent),azimuth control device 110 may not extend beyond the periphery of thepayload platform. Once the payload descent has slowed sufficiently bythe parachute, azimuth control device 110 may extend or otherwise moveinto an active/operable position. The transition from the stowedposition to the operable position may be a curved or arced path, or mayinclude a linear translation. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, thecontrol surface may be stored in a stowed position against the topsurface of the platform, but may transition to an extended/operableposition shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B in order to affect azimuthchanges.

In some exemplary embodiments, azimuth control device 110 may comprisemultiple control surfaces such as rudders, located in multiple locationson a payload. For example, when a munition is gravity launched a launchplatform may be pitched downward, for example at about 45 degrees fromhorizontal, in order to provide some forward trajectory for themunition. In such configurations, a single centered rudder may beinsufficient to provide a desired amount of azimuth control, andmultiple rudders may be employed (for example, one on each side of thepayload, and one on the rear of the payload). However, multiple ruddersor other control surfaces may be employed in various circumstances andare not limited to the foregoing downward pitched platform configurationexample.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B,azimuth control device 110 may be configured as a fluid jet device. Thefluid jet device may generally be configured to emit a thrust producingfluid stream in order to impart a yaw rotation to the payload. Forexample, compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) stored on the payloadcould be exhausted through one or more side facing nozzles to turn thepayload in a desired direction. In another example, the source of thegas may be an exothermic combustion process. However, any suitable fluidjet device may be utilized, as desired.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5C,azimuth control device 110 may be configured as a thrust producingpropeller device. That is, the parachute system may include one or morethrust producing propellers positioned around the payload that arepowered by a stored energy source, and may be actuated (for example, bycontroller 120) to impart a turning force to induce yaw rotation of thepayload. In such a configuration, the thrust producing propellerdevice(s) would function in a similar manner as does the tail rotor on atypical helicopter to rotate the payload to the desired azimuth. Thethrust producing propeller device may be configured to push or pull thepayload in yaw rotation, and thus the thrust producing propeller devicemay be configured to operate in a forward or reverse direction. Further,the thrust producing propeller device may be configured with a pitchreversal capability, thus allowing the pitch of the thrust producingpropeller blades to be changed from positive to negative to result inthe end of the platform being pulled in one direction or pushed in theopposite direction. However, any suitable thrust producing propellerconfigurations and/or capabilities may be implemented in azimuth controldevice 110, as desired.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 6, if the parachuterisers and the suspension straps of parachute 80 and payload support 90,respectively, are under significant tension, a conventional interfacebetween the two may resist torque and thus the yaw movement of thepayload may be limited. In various embodiments, the interface 89 betweenparachute and payload may include a textile sling 89 a, and unless thetextile sling 89 a has several twists per unit of length, it providesalmost no torque resistance. If the textile sling 89 a were to be madeof a material having high tensile strength, such as Kevlar, such a slingwould have a comparatively smaller cross-section than a sling of equalstrength made from nylon or other material, and would thus have lesstorque resistance. Moreover, if the textile sling 89 a does not containa significant amount of twist it will have very little tendency toreturn to its neutral (untwisted) configuration. Consequently, invarious embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 6, theconnecting interface 89 may include a pair of clevises/shackles 89 bthat can accommodate approximately 90 degrees of rotation with verylittle torque resistance. The pair of clevises/shackles 89 b may be, butin various embodiments is not, combined with textile sling 89 a. In thisregard, the connecting interface 89 may include a first clevis/shacklecoupled to a second clevis/shackle and configured to rotate with respectto the first clevis/shackle to accommodate rotation of the payload.Thus, by configuring the connecting interface between parachute andpayload to have low torque resistance, the ability of azimuth controldevice 110 to impart rotational yaw movement to the payload is improved.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 6, theconnecting interface 89 may include a swivel 89 c that can accommodate360 degrees of rotation with very little torque resistance. The swivel89 c may be, but in various embodiments is not, combined with textilesling 89 a.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 7, a method 790 ofusing a parachute system is provided. Method 790 may include coupling anazimuth control device to at least one of a payload support and apayload (step 792), deploying the payload from an aircraft (step 794),and deploying a parachute coupled to the payload support (step 796).Further, method 790 may include controlling the azimuth control deviceto adjust an azimuth of the payload during descent of the payload (step798). The azimuth control device may be controlled locally, for examplevia a computerized controller configured to maintain an azimuth of thepayload on a desired heading; moreover, the azimuth control device maybe controlled remotely, for example via a radio or other communicationslink from the deploying aircraft, from a drone, from a satellite, from aground station, and/or the like.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, and with renewedreference to FIG. 1A, the azimuth control device(s) of the disclosedparachute system may be operated, for example, after a predeterminedperiod of time, after the payload has reached a certain altitude, afterthe payload has reached a certain airspeed, and/or at any othersuitable/desired time. Additionally, parachute release system 100 may beconfigured for remote operation. For example, parachute system 100 maybe configured with wireless communication components allowing a user tosend an operative command, for example an activation command, to azimuthcontrol device 110. In this manner, a user may monitor the descent of apayload, the inflation of a drogue parachute, the inflation of anintermediary parachute, and/or the like, and may trigger operation of aparachute release mechanism 100 and/or activation and operation of theazimuth control device 110 mounted to the payload support.

Principles of the present disclosure may be utilized in connection withand/or may be complementary to or compatible with systems, methods,and/or principles disclosed in one or more of U.S. Pat. No.: 8,083,184entitled AERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,509 entitledPARACHUTE INLET CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD; U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,624entitled AERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,479 entitledPARACHUTE INLET CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD; U.S. Pat. No. 8,313,063entitled PARACHUTE RELEASE SYSTEM AND METHOD; U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,426entitled ENHANCED CRUCIFORM PARACHUTE; U.S. Pat. No. 8,979,031 entitledAERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MUNITION ADAPTER AND LOCKING RELEASE; U.S.Pat. No. 9,187,181 entitled PARACHUTE CANOPY INSERT; U.S. Pat. No.9,399,514 entitled AERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MUNITION ADAPTER ANDLOCKING RELEASE; U.S. Pat. No. 9,452,842 entitled PARACHUTE CANOPYINSERT; U.S. Pat. No. 10,689,123 entitled PARACHUTE INLET CONTROL SYSTEMAND METHOD; or U.S. Pat. No. 10,723,468 entitled PARACHUTE INLET CONTROLSYSTEM AND METHOD, each to Fox. The contents of each of the foregoingare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety (except for anysubject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent ofany conflict with the disclosure of the present application, in whichcase the disclosure of the present application shall control).

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of the disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in anysingle embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features andadvantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, orcharacteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included inat least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that thesubject matter of the present application may be practiced without oneor more of the specific features or advantages of a particularembodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages maybe recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in allembodiments of the disclosure. Further, in some instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f)unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

The scope of the disclosure is to be limited by nothing other than theappended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, butrather “one or more.” It is to be understood that unless specificallystated otherwise, references to “a,” “an,” and/or “the” may include oneor more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may alsoinclude the item in the plural. Further, the term “plurality” can bedefined as “at least two.” As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”,when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one ormore of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in thelist may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, orcategory. Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, andC” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpretedto mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may bepresent in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, orthat any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in asingle embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, andC. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean,for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and tenof item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitablecombination.

All ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined. Unlessotherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used hereinmerely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, orhierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer.Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require orpreclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item,and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Different cross-hatching may be used throughout the figures to denotedifferent parts but not necessarily to denote the same or differentmaterials. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures todenote different parts or areas but not necessarily to denote the sameor different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may bespecific to each figure. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in thevarious figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplaryfunctional relationships and/or physical couplings between the variouselements. It should be noted that many alternative or additionalfunctional relationships or physical connections may be present in apractical system.

Any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may includepermanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possibleattachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (orsimilar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Inthe above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,”“upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and thelike. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity ofdescription when dealing with relative relationships. But, these termsare not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/ororientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surfacecan become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over.Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is“coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling.Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in somecontact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined ascoupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, buthaving one or more additional elements between the coupled elements.Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element caninclude direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as usedherein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, oneelement can be adjacent another element without being in contact withthat element.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one or more embodiments of the presentedmethod. The steps recited in any of the method or process descriptionsmay be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to theorder presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes pluralembodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step mayinclude a singular embodiment or step. Elements and steps in the figuresare illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beenrendered according to any particular sequence. Other steps and methodsmay be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect toone or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.

Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explainthe logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit thescope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may beemployed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limitthe scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or otherconnectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method.For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period ofunspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method.Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or maynot strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims.

The subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of thedisclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather thanby the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A parachute system comprising: a payload supportconfigured to operably support a payload below a parachute; and anazimuth control device mounted to at least one of the payload support orthe payload.
 2. The parachute system of claim 1, wherein the payloadsupport comprises a platform and the azimuth control device is mountedto the platform.
 3. The parachute system of claim 1, wherein the azimuthcontrol device is configured to operably impart a yaw rotation to thepayload in order to adjust an azimuth of the payload.
 4. The parachutesystem of claim 3, wherein the azimuth control device is mounted to thepayload support a distance offset from a vertical center of mass axis ofthe payload in order to create torque to thereby induce the yawrotation.
 5. The parachute system of claim 3, wherein the azimuthcontrol device comprises a fluid jet device configured to emit a thrustproducing fluid stream.
 6. The parachute system of claim 3, wherein theazimuth control device comprises a thrust producing propeller device. 7.The parachute system of claim 3, wherein the azimuth control devicecomprises a manipulatable control surface.
 8. The parachute system ofclaim 1, wherein the azimuth control device is configured to be in astowed position before and during an initial deployment phase of thepayload and is configured to transition to an operable position afterthe initial deployment phase.
 9. The parachute system of claim 1,further comprising a controller coupled in control providingcommunication with the azimuth control device, the controller comprisinga processor and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium having instructions stored thereon that, in response to executionby the processor, cause the processor to control the azimuth controldevice.
 10. The parachute system of claim 2, wherein the azimuth controldevice comprises at least one rudder disposed on a periphery of theplatform.
 11. The parachute system of claim 1, wherein the azimuthcontrol device is configured to exert a force in a first direction at afirst time and further configured to exert a force in a second directionat a second time, the second direction is opposite from the firstdirection.
 12. The parachute system of claim 1, further comprising aninterface configured to be coupled between the payload and theparachute.
 13. The parachute system of claim 12, wherein the interfacecomprises a first clevis/shackle and a second clevis/shackle configuredto rotate with respect to the first clevis/shackle.
 14. A method ofusing a parachute system, the method comprising: coupling an azimuthcontrol device to at least one of a payload support or a payload;deploying the payload from an aircraft; deploying a parachute coupled tothe payload support; and operating the azimuth control device to adjustan azimuth of the payload during descent of the payload beneath theparachute.
 15. A parachute system comprising: a parachute; a payloadsupport configured to operably support a payload below the parachute; aninterface between the parachute and the payload; and an azimuth controldevice mounted to at least one of the payload support or the payload.16. The parachute system of claim 15, wherein the azimuth control deviceis configured to operably impart a yaw rotation to the payload in orderto adjust an azimuth of the payload.
 17. The parachute system of claim16, wherein the interface is configured to rotate in response to theazimuth of the payload being adjusted.
 18. The parachute system of claim16, wherein the interface is configured to accommodate the yaw rotationof the payload.
 19. The parachute system of claim 17, wherein theinterface comprises a textile sling.
 20. The parachute system of claim17, wherein the interface comprises a pair of clevises/shackles.